The Aartisian – Maker & Supplier Code of Conduct

The Aartisian – Maker & Supplier Code of Conduct

Version: 1.0

Effective date: 10th October 2025

Our ethos: Handmade. Heart-led. Human-first.

The Aartisian exists to champion high-quality handmade products and the people behind them. This Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards we expect from all makers, brands, and suppliers (“you”) who work with The Aartisian (“we” or “us”).

By joining The Aartisian platform or working with us as a supplier, you agree to uphold this Code and to work with us to improve standards over time.

1. Purpose and scope

This Code applies to:

• All makers and brands selling products or services through The Aartisian;
• Any workshops or experiences delivered under The Aartisian name;
• Any suppliers who provide goods or services to The Aartisian.

You are responsible for ensuring that your own staff, contractors, homeworkers and sub-suppliers also follow these principles.

2. Legal compliance and human rights

You must:

• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries where you operate;
• Respect internationally recognised human rights, including those set out in the International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
• Cooperate with The Aartisian if we ask for information to help us meet our own legal and ethical commitments.

3. No modern slavery, forced labour or human trafficking

You must not use any form of:

• Forced, bonded or involuntary labour;
• Human trafficking, debt bondage or recruitment through deception;
• Retention of identity documents or unreasonable restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement.

Workers must:

• Enter employment freely and be able to leave with reasonable notice;
• Have clear information about their terms and conditions of work;
• Never be required to pay recruitment fees. If such fees are found to have been paid, you must work to reimburse them.

If you suspect modern slavery in your own operations or supply chain, you must inform The Aartisian promptly and take immediate steps to protect affected people.

4. Child labour and young workers

You must:

• Not employ anyone below the legal minimum age for work in the country of operation, and under no circumstances below 15 years old;
• Comply with all laws relating to the employment of young workers (e.g. school attendance, working hours, types of work);
• Ensure young workers do not perform hazardous work or work at night.

Where children or young people are involved in family craft traditions, you must ensure that:

• Participation is genuinely voluntary;
• It does not interfere with education or wellbeing;
• It does not involve hazardous or exploitative work.

5. Wages, benefits and working hours

You must ensure that:

• Workers receive at least the legal minimum wage or relevant industry standard, whichever is higher;
• Wages are paid regularly, on time, and in a clear, understandable way;
• Overtime is voluntary, paid at a premium rate where required by law, and not excessive;
• Deductions from wages are lawful, transparent and not used as a disciplinary measure;
• Working hours comply with national laws and do not regularly exceed normal legal limits.

For independent artisans and micro-enterprises, you should set prices and payment terms that are consistent with fair, sustainable work.

6. Health, safety and wellbeing

You must provide a safe and healthy working environment, including:

• Safe, well-maintained equipment and tools;
• Adequate ventilation, lighting and workspace;
• Access to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities;
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where needed (e.g. glazes, solvents, dust, sharp tools);
• Emergency procedures and first aid arrangements suited to your scale of operations.

You should pay particular attention to:

• Kilns, open flames, glass, chemicals, heavy loads and powered machinery;
• Home-based and shared workspaces where risk may be less visible.

7. Non-discrimination, dignity and respect

You must not discriminate against workers or partners on the basis of characteristics protected by local law (for example gender, age, disability, race, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, social background).

You must:

• Treat all workers with dignity and respect;
• Prohibit harassment, bullying, abuse or intimidation;
• Have fair and transparent processes for discipline and grievance handling.

8. Freedom of association and voice

Where the law allows, workers must be free to:

• Join or form trade unions or worker organisations of their choosing;
• Select their own representatives;
• Raise concerns or negotiate collectively without fear of retaliation.

Where formal unions are not present, you should still provide ways for workers to raise issues safely and be heard.

9. Environmental responsibility and materials

In line with The Aartisian’s sustainability values, you should:

• Comply with all environmental laws and regulations;
• Handle and dispose of chemicals, glazes, solvents and other hazardous materials safely;
• Aim to minimise waste, water usage and energy consumption where practicable;
• Prioritise responsible sourcing of materials (for example recycled, upcycled, certified or locally sourced inputs where appropriate).

We encourage you to share transparent information about your materials and processes so we can highlight responsible practice to customers.

10. Product integrity, safety and honest marketing

You must ensure that:

• Products are safe for their intended use and comply with relevant safety standards (for example electrical safety, toy safety, cosmetics regulations, food-contact items);
• Product descriptions, origin claims and certifications are accurate and not misleading;
• Any known risks (for example fragility, surface finishes, small parts) are clearly communicated.

We may ask you to provide supporting information or documents where needed to verify compliance.

11. Transparency, records and collaboration

To support transparency, you should:

• Keep reasonable records relating to workers, hours, payments and sourcing, suitable for the size of your business;
• Share information with The Aartisian about your production set-up and main material sources when requested;
• Inform us promptly if significant issues arise that could affect people’s rights, safety, or the integrity of your products.

We are committed to working in a supportive, problem-solving way wherever possible rather than immediately ending relationships, provided there is genuine commitment to improvement.

12. Subcontracting and homeworking

You must not subcontract production or outsource significant parts of orders to other workshops, factories or homeworkers without informing The Aartisian.

Where subcontracting or homeworking does occur, you remain responsible for ensuring that:

• This Code of Conduct is communicated and upheld;
• Working conditions are safe and fair;
• There is no hidden child labour, forced labour or exploitation.

13. Reporting concerns

If you, your workers, or anyone connected to your business becomes aware of:

• Potential modern slavery, forced labour or trafficking;
• Serious abuse, exploitation or unsafe conditions;
• Fraud or misrepresentation in relation to products or certifications,

you are encouraged to report this to The Aartisian as soon as possible via:

• Email: hello@theaartisian.online

We will treat concerns seriously, handle information sensitively, and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of people potentially affected.

14. Consequences of non-compliance

Where serious breaches of this Code are identified, or where there is refusal to engage in good faith, The Aartisian may:

• Pause or remove your listings;
• Withhold promotion or marketing support;
• In serious or repeated cases, end our business relationship.

Where possible and appropriate, we prefer to work with you on corrective action plans and continuous improvement rather than immediate termination.

15. Acknowledgement

By registering as a maker, supplier or brand with The Aartisian, or by signing our vendor agreement, you confirm that:

1. You have read and understood this Maker & Supplier Code of Conduct;
2. You agree to comply with its principles;
3. You will work with The Aartisian to address any issues that arise.